보건복지부 영문홈페이지

Launch Ceremony of

the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing Support Foundation

 

- A non-profit organization dedicated to leading biomanufacturing training

in low- and middle-income countries and establishing the Global Bio Campus -

 

- The ceremony showcased the Training Hub’s vision and achievements since 2022,

highlighting its strengthened cooperation with international organizations, including the WHO -

 

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, Minister Cho KyooHong), and the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing Support Foundation (GTHB-SF, Chairman Noh Yeon-hong), held the GTHB-SF launch ceremony on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 9:30 AM, at Yonsei University's International Campus in Songdo, Incheon.

 

To enhance biomanufacturing capabilities for vaccines and biopharmaceuticals in low- and middle-income countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially designated Korea in February 2022 as the world’s sole Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing (“Training Hub”). Since then, the MOHW, in partnership with the WHO, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), has been training over 500 biomanufacturing professionals annually from low- and middle-income countries. This initiative plays a crucial role in promoting vaccine self-sufficiency in these regions, contributing to a safer and healthier future.

 

* In 2022, 754 participants were trained―559 from 43 countries received in-person training, and 195 completed online courses. In 2023, 1,187 participants were trained―554 from 54 countries in-person and 633 through online courses

This year marks the third anniversary of the Training Hub. To fulfill the international commitment to train over 2,000 individuals annually, the Global Bio Campus—a dedicated facility for the Training Hub—is currently under construction in Songdo, Incheon, and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. To ensure effective management of the Hub, the private-sector-led GTHB-SF was established, accelerating the structured development of biomanufacturing workforce.

 

GTHB-SF is a non-profit foundation established on May 21, 2024, under the Civil Act, with the approval of the MOHW, and is headquartered at Yonsei University's International Campus. Moving forward, GTHB-SF will play a pivotal role in supporting the Training Hub, working closely with international organizations such as the WHO to bolster Korea’s global presence in public health.

 

Additionally, GTHB-SF will collaborate with five institutions* designated as regional or network campuses of the Global Bio Campus. In addition to foundational theory and practical training, these institutions will develop a variety of educational programs, including advanced courses, instructor training, internships in collaboration with Korean companies, and university-linked degree programs. GTHB-SF also plans to offer policy consulting and customized education to meet the diverse needs and infrastructure capacities of low- and middle-income countries, including online training programs.

 

* Yonsei University’s K-NIBRT, Seoul National University Siheung Campus, K-Bio in Osong, K-Bio CMO Center in Andong, and the Biopharmaceutical Research Center in Hwasun

 

The launch ceremony was attended by key representatives from the WHO, including Jicui Dong, head of the Local Production and Assistance Unit responsible for the Training Hub, as well as representatives from the five network campuses, the IVI, and SK bioscience, who are members of the GTHB-SF board. The event not only officially announced the establishment of GTHB-SF but also highlighted the Training Hub’s past achievements and future vision, while strengthening its cooperation with international organizations like the WHO.

 

The ceremony consisted of two parts: The first part featured welcoming remarks, congratulatory addresses, an introduction to GTHB-SF, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The second part included keynote speeches by representatives from the MOHW, WHO, and IVI, along with presentations on the five network campuses.

 

In his congratulatory remarks, Park Minsoo, the 2nd Vice Minister of MOHW, stated, “We expect GTHB-SF to play a crucial role in enhancing Korea’s global standing and laying the groundwork for its emergence as a leading country in the bioindustry by providing high-quality education for vaccine self-sufficiency in low- and middle-income countries.” He further called on the WHO and the international community to increase publicity, interest, and financial support to enable more participants to benefit from the Training Hub’s programs.

 

In his welcome speech, GTHB-SF Chairman Noh Yeon-hong emphasized, “As a newly established private non-profit organization supporting Korea’s operation of the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing, GTHB-SF is committed to establishing the Global Bio Campus and implementing training programs to enhance global preparedness against infectious diseases while contributing to Korea’s leading role in global health security.” ///